Kong Hee, pastor of City Harvest Church in Singapore, has revealed that he expects to soon see revival in Japan, as the Japanese people are "hungry" for Jesus Christ.
In a recent Facebook post, Hee, 51, shared that he and his wife and fellow CHC pastor, Sun Ho, made a ministry visit to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Osaka and Kyoto earlier in April.
"Sun and I were so stirred and moved in our spirits. We can hear the sound of revival in our hearts, and sense that the harvest is definitely ripening," Kong wrote.
"We have a deep love for Japan and for our beautiful Japanese brothers and sisters-in-Christ. Their hearts are so hungry for the Lord Jesus and His Church. They are believing that God is opening up Heaven and pouring out His Holy Spirit afresh upon this generation," he continued.
Sun Ho also shared several pictures of the excursion on her Facebook page, and included the caption, "Teaching, preaching, ministering, fellowships & disciples making... Jesus, I feel so privileged to be your servant..."
Christians continue to be a minority in Japan, as Shinto and Buddhism are the country's two major religions. The Japan Guide notes that Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century.
However, a WIN-Gallup International Association survey released in April 2015, which found that as many as 31 percent of the Japanese people describe themselves as "convinced atheists."
Kong concluded: "Japan, Jesus loves you and we love you too! Thank you for receiving us with such open hearts! Jesus says,'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9:23)."
Last month, the pastor visited Taiwan in his tour of Southeast Asia, where a number of salvation decisions prompted him to state that there is "no doubt that the largest revival in the End-Times will be a move of God in the Chinese-speaking world."
"Over a 10-year period, Christianity has grown from less than 3 percent to almost 10 percent, by some missiological estimates. Campus ministries have sprouted in most local colleges and universities today," Kong said about Taiwan.
"Many pop celebrities have received Christ and are boldly proclaiming their faith on traditional and new media. I have no doubt that the largest revival in the End-Times will be a move of God in the Chinese-speaking world."
Back at home, Kong is facing a legal battle and an eight-year prison sentence after he and five other CHC members were found guilty for the misuse of close to $35 million in church donations, which allegedly went into the popstar career of Sun Ho.
For the past five years, Kong and the others accused denied any wrongdoing and dismissed reports that they controlled management company Xtron, which was handling Ho's career. Although the megachurch maintained that Ho's pop music was intended as a form of outreach to non-Christians, Kong was sentenced to eight years in prison, the longest of the six, whose sentences ranged upwards from 21 months.
In December, the six accused individuals had also filed their notices of appeal against both conviction and sentences, indicating to the court that they intend to appeal.
Although his future remains uncertain, Kong has maintained a positive appearance, regularly taking to social media to share photos of his family and congregation.
"One day, when we have finished our race, we will hear from our Chief Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ: 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord' (Matt. 25:21)," he wrote in a recent Facebook post.
"Let's continue to win souls for Christ, and be shepherds after God's own heart, from now till the end of time!"
